07-07-2025
Matthew James Dullard faces court on attempted cop murder charge
A doctor's report into the mental condition of alleged attempted cop killer Matthew James Dullard could decide how the case moves forward, the South Australian Supreme Court has been told.
Mr Dullard was due to enter his pleas on Monday morning to the allegation he tried to murder Brevet Sergeant Mark Woods during a routine traffic stop in March last year.
Police allege Mr Dullard, from Victoria, struck Sergeant Woods with his vehicle on the Barrier Highway at Ucolta, about 250km north of Adelaide, and then fled the scene.
A police chopper tracked him for 45 minutes before police apprehended him.
Sergeant Woods, based at Orroroo, suffered non life-threatening injuries in the alleged hit-and-run and paramedics flew him to Royal Adelaide Hospital for treatment.
Matthew James Dullard is charged with the attempted murder of a police officer. Picture: NewsWire
Police have charged Mr Dullard with attempted murder, aggravated endangering life, causing harm by dangerous driving and leaving the scene of an accident after causing harm by careless driving.
In his earlier appearances, the court was told the 43-year-old man had been diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2019.
He initially refused to co-operate with either the police or any legal representation.
On Monday, Director of Public Prosecutions Martin Hinton KC asked Justice Julie McIntyre to adjourn the matter for two weeks, telling her he needed time to query a doctor about their report into Mr Dullard's mental competence.
South Australian police officer Mark Woods suffered non life-threatening injuries in the alleged hit-and-run. Picture: Supplied
'I've considered the report … I have a number of questions for the doctor,' he said.
'I don't know yet whether in light of the answers to those questions I'll be seeking a further report or will determine to concede mental incompetence.'
Mr Dullard's defence team did not oppose the request and Justice McIntyre listed July 21 for Mr Dullard's arraignment.
Justice McIntyre allowed Mr Dullard to appear by telephone for his next appearance.
Duncan Evans
Reporter
Duncan Evans is a reporter for News Corp's NewsWire service, based in Adelaide. Before NewsWire, he worked as a resources and politics reporter for The Daily Mercury in Mackay, Queensland and as a reporter at CQ Today, an independent newspaper based in Rockhampton. He was raised in Emerald and Brisbane and studied English Literature and American Studies at the University of Sydney. He began his career in journalism working for the Jakarta Post in Indonesia for over two years as an editor, translator and writer. He is fluent in Indonesian.
@Duncanevans01
Duncan Evans
